The arrival of eSIMs has completely changed how we travel and connect to the Internet abroad. What once meant searching for a local SIM card at every airport or paying high roaming fees, now takes just a few clicks on your phone. The evolution has been so fast that not only independent digital providers (like Holafly, Airalo, or Simify) offer these solutions, but traditional operators have also joined the game. In this case, we’ll take a full look at Orange Travel vs Holafly.
This is the case of Orange Travel international eSIM, a product designed to compete with offers from sector specialists. On the other hand, we find Holafly, one of the most recognised names in this market, with a catalogue made for all types of travellers.
So, what’s better for the end user? What real differences exist between Orange Travel and Holafly? In this Holafly vs Orange Travel comparison, we’ll analyse in detail how they work, what plans they offer, what users think, and which one’s best depending on your traveller profile.
Post content
How Does Orange’s eSIM Work?
The Orange Travel international eSIM is the proposal from one of Europe’s largest operators. The idea’s simple: Offer customers (and sometimes non-customers) mobile data access abroad without using the physical SIM or paying roaming fees.
It works like any other travel eSIM: You buy a data package online, receive a QR code by email, install it from your compatible device settings, and once you arrive, you just activate data roaming to start browsing.
What makes Orange Travel different is its fixed-package model. Instead of unlimited data, its plans offer a set number of gigabytes (for example, 5GB or 10GB) to use during a specific period. That’s enough for short trips or basic use (WhatsApp, maps, email), but it’s not ideal for heavy users.
In short: It’s a reliable and functional service backed by a major operator, but limited compared to more flexible, global alternatives.
How Does Holafly’s eSIM Work?
On the other hand, we’ve got Holafly, one of the leading providers in the international eSIM market. Unlike Orange, Holafly was born as a digital-first brand, which allowed it to build a catalogue better suited to frequent travellers’ needs.
Holafly operates under two main models:
- eSIM by country or region: Ideal for specific trips (Japan, the United States, Morocco, Europe, etc.), with the advantage that many destinations already offer unlimited data.
- Holafly Plans: Its flagship offer. This is a global subscription service with unlimited data and hotspot in over 160 countries (like Norway, Ireland or Malaysia). Users pay a monthly or yearly fee and travel without worrying about top-ups or changing eSIMs. In both cases, installation’s equally easy:
Buy it online, receive the QR by email, and activate it in minutes. Plus, they offer 24/7 English support, which’s essential when something goes wrong mid-trip.
If you want more details about this offer, you can check it directly on Holafly eSIM or, if you prefer a global subscription, explore the Holafly Plans.
International eSIM Comparison: Orange Travel vs Holafly
Here comes the main part of this guide: A point-by-point comparison between both options. We’ll analyse their prices, coverage, speed, ease of use, customer service, and refund policies.
Plans and Prices
Before showing the table, let’s clarify something: The plans and prices model is one of the biggest differences between these providers.
- Orange Travel offers fixed data packages at a set price. For example, 5GB for a specific number of days in a chosen destination. It’s useful for short breaks but forces users to calculate in advance if those gigabytes will be enough.
- Holafly, instead, increasingly focuses on unlimited data in many countries and regions. Plus, its most innovative proposal, the Holafly Plans, removes the need to calculate data or install multiple eSIMs on one trip.
Plans and Prices Comparison Table
| Provider | Plan type | Data Model | Approximate Cost |
| Orange Travel | Packages by country/region | Limited data | From $16-22 (€15-20) |
| Holafly | eSIM by country/region | Unlimited data (in many destinations) | From €19 ($31) |
| Holafly Plans | Global subscription (monthly or yearly) | Unlimited data and hotspot | From €99 / month |
Note: Prices are approximate and may vary by destination and plan duration. The key difference lies in the model: limited vs unlimited.
Coverage:
Coverage is another crucial factor when talking about eSIMs.
- Orange Travel has decent coverage across Europe and the Americas, its strongest markets, but it’s more limited in regions like Asia or Africa.
- Holafly offers coverage in over 160 countries, making it a truly global solution.
Coverage Comparison Table
| Provider | Main Coverage | Total Reach |
| Orange Travel | Europe and the Americas | About 50-60 countries |
| Holafly | GLOBAL Coverage | +160 countries |
Note: Orange Travel’s coverage depends on regional agreements, while Holafly always connects to the best available network in each destination.
Speed
Regarding connection speed, both providers offer access to 4G/LTE networks and even 5G in some destinations.
- Orange Travel guarantees good speeds in European cities, but its performance drops in rural zones or outside its strong network.
- Holafly connects with multiple local operators in each country, maintaining more stable speeds. That’s key for users who work in the cloud, make video calls, or upload social content.
Speed Comparison Table
| Provider | Available Networks | Performance |
| Orange Travel | 4G/5G in Europe and the Americas | High in cities, average in rural areas |
| Holafly | 4G/5G in 160+ countries | Stable and optimised through multiple agreements |
Note: Although both offer good speeds, Holafly stands out for its consistency across more regions.
Ease of use
Both options are easy to use, but there are some differences. Let’s see which one performs better: Orange Travel vs Holafly.
- Orange Travel sometimes requires being a customer to link payments to the account. The purchase process is fast, but its catalogue’s more limited.
- Holafly offers a fully digital process open to anyone. Its step-by-step guides make installation simple, even for first-time eSIM users.
Ease of Use Comparison Table
| Provider | Purchase Process | Installation | Support |
| Orange Travel | Website/App (sometimes only for clients) | QR | Limited |
| Holafly | Website/App open to all | Instant QR | 24/7 in English |
Note: Both are easy to use, but Holafly’s simpler for international travellers not tied to an operator.
Customer support
This is one of the most distinctive aspects.
- Orange Travel offers customer service mainly focused on European users, with limited working hours.
- Holafly, instead, provides 24/7 English support, which’s highly valued when issues appear mid-trip.
Customer Service Comparison Table
| Provider | Language and Hours | Available Channels |
| Orange Travel | Business hours (Europe) | Phone, chat, and physical shops |
| Holafly | 24/7 in English | Web chat and email support |
Note: The difference’s clear here: Holafly stands out for availability and language, which’s vital for frequent travellers.
Refund Policy
The refund policy can be crucial if the eSIM doesn’t work as expected.
- Orange Travel applies stricter conditions, offering refunds only under specific circumstances.
- Holafly has a clearer, more flexible policy: If the eSIM doesn’t work at your destination, they manage quick refunds.
Refund Policy Comparison Table
| Provider | Flexibility | Process Speed |
| Orange Travel | Limited | Slow, depending on case |
| Holafly | High | Fast and transparent |
Note: User experiences in forums confirm that Holafly handles refunds more efficiently in such cases.
You can read more about similar options here:
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This will cost you nothing but helps us offset the costs of paying our writing team. All opinions are our own. Thank you for your support 🙂 .
What Do Users Think?
On review platforms like Trustpilot, the difference between both providers becomes clear. Orange Travel receives mixed reviews: Many users appreciate getting the eSIM instantly and activating it easily via QR, which’s very convenient for short trips. However, some mention issues with coverage outside Europe, reporting signal loss in less common destinations or slower speeds in rural areas.
Holafly, on the other hand, maintains a higher rating on Trustpilot and other specialised forums. Users highlight the reliable connection across multiple countries, quick activation, and, most importantly, 24/7 English customer support. This feature builds trust and solves problems within minutes. Frequent travellers or remote workers especially value the unlimited data and hotspot, avoiding mid-call disconnections or the need for extra packages.
In communities like Reddit or digital nomad forums, the trend repeats: Orange Travel’s seen as a good option for short breaks, while Holafly stands out for longer or multi-country trips requiring constant stability. In short, user opinions confirm this comparison’s conclusion: Orange Travel works fine for simple needs, but Holafly’s the most complete and reliable service for travellers seeking peace of mind at every destination.
Who’s More Reliable?
In specialised forums, many users agree that Holafly’s more reliable for long or frequent trips, while Orange Travel’s better for short getaways.
Verdict: Which Data eSIM’s Better, Orange Travel or Holafly?
After analysing every aspect, from pricing to coverage and support, the conclusion’s clear: Holafly wins the Orange Travel vs Holafly comparison. The difference isn’t just in the number of countries or speed, but in each service’s philosophy. While Orange Travel offers a simple, functional alternative backed by a major traditional operator, Holafly delivers a far more flexible and global solution designed specifically for modern travellers.
Orange Travel’s Proposal
Orange Travel stands on three pillars worth noting. First, the backing of a major international operator, which gives security to existing customers who prefer staying within the same ecosystem. Also, buying’s quick and easy: Choose the package, scan the QR, and start browsing. Lastly, prices are competitive for short breaks or moderate use, making it suitable when you only need to use WhatsApp, maps, and email.
However, this model shows its limits once you move beyond that scenario: Fixed packages require estimating usage, coverage outside Europe and the Americas is weaker, and customer service’s less flexible for those travelling across different time zones or regions.
Holafly’s Proposal
In contrast, Holafly provides a much broader solution tailored to different traveller profiles. Its main advantage’s the GLOBAL coverage in over 160 countries, meaning you can cross continents without installing new eSIMs at every stop. On top of that, unlimited data and hotspot with Holafly Plans eliminate worries about running out of data and let you connect laptops and tablets freely.
Another key advantage’s the 24/7 English support, which’s especially useful when a technical issue arises mid-trip and you need instant help. Finally, its catalogue offers two paths: Country or regional eSIMs for short trips and global subscriptions for those who prefer total peace of mind for months. That flexibility makes it a go-to choice for tourists, digital nomads, cabin crew, or remote professionals.
A Clear Conclusion
If you’re looking for a simple solution for a short trip, Orange Travel does the job. But if you plan to visit multiple countries, work remotely, make frequent calls, or simply don’t want to manage data top-ups, the best choice’s undoubtedly Holafly.
This conclusion’s also echoed across independent reviews and comparisons. In Simify eSIM: Analysis, features, and opinion, Holafly’s consistency stands out. All this confirms that, today, Holafly remains the benchmark in international eSIM services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holafly vs Orange Travel eSIM
Orange Travel offers lower prices for small data packages. Holafly, though seemingly pricier, compensates with unlimited data and no top-ups.
Holafly, thanks to its global plans with coverage in more than 160 destinations.
With Orange, sometimes yes. Holafly’s open to any traveller.
Holafly offers a faster and clearer refund process than Orange.
Most choose Holafly for its consistent global coverage.
No Comments